If you’re looking for an easy dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, let me introduce you to Cherry Pie Bombs! These little bites are crispy on the outside, ooey-gooey on the inside, and packed with sweet cherry goodness. Whether you’re baking them in the oven or giving them a whirl in the air fryer, you’ll love how simple and amazing they turn out.
I’ve made these for family gatherings, quick weeknight treats, and even just because I was in the mood for something sweet. Let me tell you—they never disappoint. Plus, who doesn’t love a dessert that’s ready in under 30 minutes? These little cherry-filled treats are the perfect solution for when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Pie Bombs
- Quick and Easy: With just four ingredients, you’ll have dessert ready in no time. Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver when unexpected guests show up.
- Customizable: Don’t like cherries? Swap out the filling for your favorite fruit or even chocolate. Think blueberry, apple, or even a spoonful of lemon curd for a tangy twist.
- Kid-Friendly: These are a hit with kids and perfect for little hands to help with assembly. My kids love rolling the dough into balls and dipping them in cinnamon sugar.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Whether you’re an air fryer fan or prefer baking, there’s a method for you. Both options yield fantastic results, so you can choose based on your kitchen setup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to get started:
- 1 can (8-count) Grand biscuits (avoid flaky layers or crescent roll dough)
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup cinnamon/sugar blend
How to Make Cherry Pie Bombs
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Separate the biscuits into two layers. This part always feels a little like magic because it doubles your dough! Lay them out on a clean surface. You’ll end up with 16 pieces—perfect for making these bite-sized treats. If you’re like me and tend to rush, remember to take your time here—neatly separating the layers makes the next steps easier.
Step 2: Flatten and Fill
Use a rolling pin or your hands to gently flatten each biscuit layer into a 4-inch circle. It’s okay if they’re not perfectly round—that’s part of the charm. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling into the center of each circle. Don’t overfill, or you’ll have a gooey mess (trust me, I learned the hard way!). You can even mix the filling with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.
Step 3: Seal and Roll
Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal in the filling. Then, roll each piece into a ball. The first time I made these, I was worried about them popping open, but as long as you pinch them well, you’re good to go. The rolling part is actually quite relaxing—it’s like crafting tiny, delicious surprises.
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Brush each ball with melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step gives them that crispy, sweet coating that’s just irresistible. Pro tip: use a fork to roll them so your hands stay clean.
Air Fryer Method
I’m a big fan of the air fryer for these—it’s quick, and they turn out beautifully golden. The air fryer adds a light crispiness that’s hard to beat.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the bombs in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Air fry at 330°F for 6-7 minutes. Gently wiggle them loose, then air fry for another 1-2 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- Serve warm for the best gooey experience.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on them during the last minute or two. Every air fryer is a little different, and you don’t want to overcook these gems. I like to check them at the 5-minute mark just to be safe.
Oven Method
No air fryer? No problem. The oven works just as well! Baking them fills your kitchen with the most amazing cinnamon aroma.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the bombs on the sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before serving—the filling will be super hot right out of the oven.
Pro Tip:
For an extra crisp finish, turn on the broiler for the last minute. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning. I once got distracted, and let’s just say the smoke detector wasn’t impressed.
Tips for Success
- Seal the Dough Well: Make sure the edges are pinched tightly to avoid any filling leaks. It’s worth the extra few seconds to ensure they stay intact.
- Don’t Overfill: A tablespoon of filling is just right. Too much, and you’ll have a hard time sealing the dough.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try apple pie filling, Nutella, or even peanut butter and chocolate chips for a fun twist. I once used strawberry jam, and it was a hit!
- Test a Few First: If you’re using an air fryer, try cooking one or two bombs first to nail the timing and temperature for your specific model.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Pie Bombs are best served warm. Pair them with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce
- A dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch
- Fresh whipped cream and a cherry on top for a classic sundae vibe
Storage and Reheating
If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crispiness.
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, these Cherry Pie Bombs are my go-to for last-minute desserts. They’re quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. The first time I made them, I was skeptical about how well they’d turn out. But as soon as I took that first bite—crispy outside, gooey cherry filling inside—I was hooked. Now, they’re a staple in my dessert rotation.
I also love how versatile they are. One batch, I made half with cherry filling and the other half with Nutella. My family was split on their favorite, but I’ll admit I kept sneaking the Nutella ones when no one was looking.
Whether you’re making these for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just because you want something sweet, I’m confident you’ll love them as much as I do. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out! And don’t forget to experiment—you might just discover your own signature version of this recipe.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
8-15 minutes (depending on method)
Total Time:
18-25 minutes
Servings:
16 bombs
Ready to make these amazing Cherry Pie Bombs? Get in the kitchen and start rolling—you won’t regret it!
Cherry Pie Bombs Recipe 🍒
Ingredients
- 1 can 8-count Grand biscuits (avoid flaky layers or crescent roll dough)
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup cinnamon/sugar blend
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Dough
- Separate the biscuits into two layers. This part always feels a little like magic because it doubles your dough! Lay them out on a clean surface. You’ll end up with 16 pieces—perfect for making these bite-sized treats. If you’re like me and tend to rush, remember to take your time here—neatly separating the layers makes the next steps easier.
Step 2: Flatten and Fill
- Use a rolling pin or your hands to gently flatten each biscuit layer into a 4-inch circle. It’s okay if they’re not perfectly round—that’s part of the charm. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling into the center of each circle. Don’t overfill, or you’ll have a gooey mess (trust me, I learned the hard way!). You can even mix the filling with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.
Step 3: Seal and Roll
- Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal in the filling. Then, roll each piece into a ball. The first time I made these, I was worried about them popping open, but as long as you pinch them well, you’re good to go. The rolling part is actually quite relaxing—it’s like crafting tiny, delicious surprises.
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- Brush each ball with melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step gives them that crispy, sweet coating that’s just irresistible. Pro tip: use a fork to roll them so your hands stay clean.